Fenty: Newell relations broke down

19 October 2009 11:40

Newell was sacked on Sunday following what was described by Fenty in a statement as an 'irretrievable breakdown' in their working relationship.

Fenty denies that Newell's departure just over 12 months into a three-and-a-half year contract was influenced by another home defeat at the weekend or the unrest among some sections of the Blundell Park support. However, he does admit the club's 23rd place in the League Two table is a 'dire position'.

"It wasn't a results-based decision or one that was influenced by the disquiet of some sections of the support. It was a difficult decision to take - we feel we have backed Mike as a board and hadn't considered a change at all, contrary to belief," Fenty told the Grimsby Telegraph. "We had hoped to continue with the manager and avoid getting on the merry-go-round of looking for a new one but, unfortunately, that's where we are at.

"The relationship broke down and I won't add anything further to what we've said in the statement on the reasons behind the decision. Personally, I have enjoyed working with Mike but sometimes things come to an end and that's what has happened.

"The club is in a dire position but there is still time to turn it around and avoid the struggles we ended up in last season, and now we move on."